Police placed parking restrictions around the park and put additional officers on the streets ahead of the Sox-Tigers game. Vehicles in the direct area were also searched as a precaution.

"We’ve been through a lot the last 6 months and my job is to make sure these officers keep these citizens safe. If I have to err on the side of caution, I’m going to do that," said Police Chief Daniel Linskey.

In addition, bars around the park were under strict orders from the city’s licensing board. They were told to disperse lines once capacity is reached to help prevent crowds outside from watching televisions inside and to help police clear outside areas by the end of the 5th inning.

"We’re going to let crowds out tonight. We’re not going to let crowds in because we don’t want to have a huge gathering at the park that can sometimes turn the other way," Linksey said.

Security has been stepped up for various sporting events since the raucous celebration that took place in 2004 when the Sox won the ALCS title over the New York Yankees.

Twenty-one-year-old Victoria Snelgrove, a longtime Red Sox fan, was killed during the celebration.

A pepper-spray projectile, fired by a Boston Police officer into a rowdy crowd at Kenmore Square, hit her in the eye. The revelers inadvertently blocked emergency crews that were trying to get to her, and she was pronounced dead at Brigham and Women's the following morning.

Snelgrove’s parents, Rick and Dianne, have kept her memory alive since the tragedy. On Saturday, a playground was dedicated in her name in Bridgewater. It’s the sixth one named for the former Emerson College student.

The Snelgroves said they hope that fans celebrate responsibly -- no matter what the outcome is of Saturday’s game.

"I hope that those people that are there celebrating tonight -- and I hope the Red Sox win – will act, will be responsible for their actions. There’s no need for the violence," Rick Snelgrove said.